WELCOME TO THE ABTEAM NOVEMBER BLOG!

 

THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IN REVIEW:

In October, the Central Lakes Association of REALTORS reported 715 residential sales in the Durham Region, down 19.5% from
the 888 sales of October 2024, and up 1% from September 2025, when 707 sales were reported. Year-to-date, our sales
volume is down 11% compared to 2024, with 7,068 homes selling so far this year.

The average selling price in the Durham Region for the month of October was $851,764 – down 3% from September 2025 when
we saw an average of $877,963. It also represents a 4% decline from the October 2024 average of $888,914. Year-to-date, the
average sale price of all residential real estate sold in the Durham Region is $889,153 – down 4% from the previous year-to-date
number of $924,039.

The amount of new listing inventory coming onto the market in October was 1,792 units, down 14% from the 2,082 new listings in
the previous month but up only slightly – 1.5% – from the same period the year before, which saw 1,766 new listings enter the
market. Year-to-date we are up 11% in listings taken, with 18,976 properties entering the market through the MLS system in
Durham Region.

The average days on market for October 2025 was 29 days. The average days on market, year-to-date, sits at 23.
The average Sale Price to List Price Ratio (SP/LP) for all properties sold in October was 99%. Year-to-date, the average SP/LP is
100%.

The current Months of Inventory factor for October was 3.6. The Sales to New Listing Ratio (SNLR) for the month of October was
40%. Typically, ratios between 40% and 60% reflect market balance, with anything below that range suggesting a market that
benefits buyers and anything above it, a market that benefits sellers.

The Durham Region saw a dollar volume in sales of $609,011,222 in October, with year-to-date numbers down 14% from 2024.
Whitby led the way in October, with a volume in excess of $130 million, making Whitby’s total 17% lower year-to-date than 2024,
with its average sale price down 5% year-to-date. Oshawa placed an honourable second at almost $129 million, down 18%
year-to-date, with its average sale price down 5% year-to-date. Pickering rounded out the top 3 for October, posting $107
million in sales, with a year-to-date decrease of 7% and an average sale price loss of 4% year-to-date.
Source: CLAR

As always, we have included below a snapshot of performance of the overall market in the Durham Region for the
month. For a more specific look at your community, your neighbourhood and your housing style, just call us! We are
always available to update you personally on current statistics and inventory, and how they are affecting your home’s
value.

INDUSTRY STATS FOR OCTOBER:

Durham Region: $851,764
Oshawa: $727,481
Clarington: $793,144
Whitby: $938,360
Scugog: $937,028
Ajax: $905,039
Pickering: $886,908
Uxbridge: $1,195,573
Source: CLAR

AVERAGE PRICE BREAKDOWN FOR OCTOBER:

The average detached dwelling sold for $951,184 at 98% of list price in 29 days. 459 units sold.
The average semi-detached dwelling sold for $721,678 at 99% of list price in 22 days. 45 units sold.
The average link dwelling sold for $771,967 at 102% of list price in 14 days. 15 units sold.
The average freehold townhouse sold for $757,728 at 100% of list price in 27 days. 95 units sold.
The average condominium apartment sold for $503,404 at 98% of list price in 39 days. 51 units sold.
The average condominium townhouse sold for $614,102 at 100% of list price in 39 days. 50 units were
sold.
Source: CLAR

SANTA CLAUSE PARADES IN THE DURHAM REGION:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH - BOWMANVILLE - 10:30 AM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH - OSHAWA - 6:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH - NEWCASTLE - 5:30 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH - UXBRIDGE - 11:00 AM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND - PICKERING - 10:00 AM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND - ORNO - 10:00 AM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND - AJAX - 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH - BEAVERTON - 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH - CANNINGTON - 11:00 AM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH - WHITBY - 10:00 AM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH - SCUGOG - 5:00 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH - COURTICE - 12:00 PM

WINTER READY HOME: HOW A HUMIDIFIER CAN HELP YOU GET THROUGH A CANADIAN WINTER: 

As fall fades and the cold winter sets in, many Canadian homeowners begin the annual ritual of preparing their homes for Mr. Jack Frost’s arrival. While sealing windows and having your furnace inspected are standard practices for homeowners, one often overlooked aspect is the strategic use of a home humidifier.

This guide will help you understand why a humidifier is essential and how to choose the best one for your specific needs, transforming your living space into feeling cozy and balanced all winter long.

What problems does dry winter air create for Canadian homeowners?

Ever wake up feeling like your throat is raw? Canadian winters make for dry, indoor air as heating systems tend to reduce humidity, leading to a host of issues. Experiencing persistent dry skin, chapped lips, or a scratchy throat? Dry air is probably the culprit. It can exacerbate respiratory problems, worsen cold and flu symptoms, and increases your risk of infection.

For parents, a humidifier for your baby is often pediatrician-recommended to help ease congestion and improve their sleep.

Your home suffers, too, with wooden floors and furniture cracking or warping from moisture loss. Even pets experience dry skin and respiratory irritation. Proper humidity is essential to protect your health, home, and everything within it.

What barriers do homeowners face when considering humidifiers, and how are they addressed?

You know by now there are benefits to having a humidifier in your home, so why do so many Canadian homeowners often hesitate to get one?

Is it difficult to maintain? Will it create mold? Is it expensive to run? These are valid questions that can deter potential buyers.

Modern smart humidifiers directly tackle these concerns with advanced features and thoughtful design.

For maintenance, many units now come with top-fill designs, making refills simpler. Some have components that are dishwasher safe and others even have self-cleaning modes, addressing the “how to clean a humidifier” question head-on. Integrated humidistats in smart models automatically maintain your desired humidity level, preventing over-humidification and reducing the risk of mold.

Health Canada's publication, Relative Humidity Indoors, states humidity levels above 50% encourage mold, bacteria, and dust mite growth, while extremely low moisture can cause dry skin, respiratory discomfort, and increases the risk of virus survival.

Regarding cost and efficiency, many good models are equipped with energy-saving modes and precise humidity controls, meaning they only run when its needed. The therapeutic benefits for dry skin, respiratory health, and even reduced static electricity contribute to a more comfortable and healthier home environment, potentially reducing healthcare costs.

For your home, proper humidity helps protect your valuable wood furnishings and floors from damage, preserving their longevity and appearance.

The versatility of modern humidifiers also means there is a solution for every specific need. Need a one in your bedroom to improve your sleep score? There are quiet, compact models.

Searching for one to use in a nursery? Look for cool mist and safety features.

Got a collection of tropical plants? A dedicated plant humidifier can create the ideal microclimate.

Whether you need a personal humidifier for your desk or a whole-home solution, the market offers effective and user-friendly options.

Why should you use a humidifier this winter?

For Canadians facing months of frigid temperatures and notoriously dry indoor air, a good humidifier is not just a comfort tool, it can be a household essential. Using one during the dry winter restores moisture to dry indoor air, easing breathing and preventing dry skin, chapped lips, and throat irritation.

Consistent humidity also protects wooden furniture and floors from cracking. Humidified air feels warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat and save on heating costs. Additionally, it reduces static electricity and creates a healthier environment for your family, pets, and indoor plants throughout the season.

What should you consider before buying a humidifier?

When searching for the best model, consumers typically evaluate several key features.

• Type of humidifier: You can go with a cool mist (ultrasonic or evaporative), or warm mist. Cool mist is generally preferred for children and pets due to no hot water, while warm mist can feel more comforting and often kills bacteria in the water.
• Capacity and run time: This is measured by tank size and output, indicating how long it can run before refilling.
• Coverage area: Specified in square footage, this factor helps you choose if it is a humidifier for a smaller room, like your bedroom, or an open-concept living space.
• Noise level: This metric is crucial for bedrooms and nurseries. Look for “whisper quiet” or low decibel ratings.
• Features: Check the unit to see if it has a humidistat (to maintain desired humidity), auto shut-off, night light, essential oil tray, remote control, and smart connectivity.
• Ease of cleaning: Top-fill design, wide openings, or dishwasher-safe parts simplify things.
• Filter vs. filterless: Filtered units may require replacement filters, which is an ongoing cost. Filterless ultrasonic models are common, but may require more frequent cleaning to prevent mineral dust.
• Safety features: Especially important in a model for babies or toddlers, look for cool mist and stable designs.

Any special considerations for humidifier use in Canada?

Given Canada’s extreme winter climates in parts of the country, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind.

The primary one is maintaining the optimal humidity range. While a higher humidity might feel more comfortable, exceeding 55% during sub-zero temperatures can lead to condensation on your windows and walls, potentially causing mold or ice buildup. A smart humidifier with a built-in humidistat is invaluable for precisely maintaining indoor humidity levels.

Secondly, tap water in many Canadian regions is hard, containing high mineral content. Using hard water in ultrasonic humidifiers can lead to a fine white dust settling on surfaces, which is harmless, but annoying. Distilled water is a solution, though an added cost. Alternatively, some good humidifiers offer demineralization cartridges or can be used with specific hard water filters. Make sure you are regularly cleaning your humidifier!

Finally, consider where you place your humidifier. Avoid placing it directly against walls, curtains, or electronics. Allow ample space for the mist to disperse evenly, ensuring effective humidification throughout the room, whether it is a humidifier for bedroom or a living area.

Humidifier comparison table for Canadian homes

Here is a selection of top-rated Amazon humidifiers suitable for various Canadian home needs, helping you find the best model on the market for your space.

Product Name	Product Price (CAD)	Best Features	Product is Best Suited For
LEVOIT 6L Warm and Cool Mist Humidifiers	$129.40	Smart app control with warm and cool mist, 6L tank, 60-hour runtime, and quiet top-fill design	Large spaces, tech-savvy users, those needing both warm/cool mist, whole-house humidifier.
LEVOIT 3L Humidifier with Smart WiFi Alexa Control	$89.79	WiFi and Alexa control, 3L top-fill tank, aromatherapy tray, and ultra-quiet mist.	Baby nurseries or bedrooms where remote monitoring, gentle mist, and quiet operation are essential.
Dreo 4L Smart Cool Mist Humidifiers	$62.99	4L top-fill tank, 36-hour runtime, app and voice control, ultra-quiet mist, and nightlight.	Large bedrooms, nurseries, or plant rooms where users want hands-free humidity control, long runtime, and near-silent operation.
Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0	$264.71	2.5L top-fill tank, 36-hour runtime, reading light, white noise, and anti-mold filter.	Bedrooms and nightstands where users want a quiet, health-focused humidifier that doubles as a soothing sleep aid during dry winter months.
GoveeLife Smart Cool Mist Humidifier with App Control	$137.73	Smart app and voice control, auto humidity mode, top-fill design, and nightlight.	Good fit for a bedroom or smaller apartments that value hands-free smart control and calm overnight performance.
Dreo 4L Cool Mist Humidifiers	$48.57	4 L top-fill tank, 36-hour runtime, ultra-quiet 28 dB mist output, touch and app control with nightlight.	Large living rooms or open apartments that need steady, whisper-quiet humidity control.

*Prices listed in the table are subject to change.

Embrace a humidified winter

Preparing your home for winter goes beyond turning up the heat; it means creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

By investing in a home humidifier, you are not just buying a gadget, you are investing in your family’s health, your comfort, and the longevity of your home. From alleviating dry skin and respiratory irritation to protecting your wooden furnishings and nurturing your indoor plants, the humidifier benefits are extensive.

Source: Realtor.ca

CHRISTMAS HOME DECORATING TIPS: 

To decorate your home for Christmas effectively, focus on cohesive themes, natural greenery, layered lighting, and personal touches while avoiding clutter. 

General Tips for a Festive Home:

• Establish a Theme/Color Palette: Choose a consistent color scheme (e.g., traditional red and green, modern white and metallics, or rustic browns and creams) to create a unified and intentional look throughout your home.
• Prioritize Focal Points: Concentrate your decorating efforts on key areas that make the most impact, such as the Christmas tree, the fireplace mantel, the front door, or the dining table centerpiece.
• Incorporate Greenery: Drape garlands (faux or fresh) over mantels, stair railings, and doorways, and use wreaths on doors and walls. Tucking simple sprigs of foliage like holly or eucalyptus behind artworks or into vases adds natural charm.
• Layer Your Lighting: Move beyond overhead lights. Use warm, soft lighting from twinkle or fairy lights (strung in jars, woven into greenery, or hung in windows) and an abundance of candles (flameless options are safe for families and pets) to create a cozy, ambient glow.
• Add Tactile Textures: Swap out everyday throw pillows and blankets for cozy, seasonal textiles like velvet, chunky knits, faux fur, or tartan patterns to add immediate warmth and comfort to your living spaces and bedrooms.
• Embrace Nostalgia: Displaying collected or antique ornaments, family heirlooms, and handmade crafts can add a personal, story-filled touch to your decor.
• Don't Forget Scents: Utilize festive scents like pine, cinnamon, cloves, or dried orange slices through candles, diffusers, or stovetop simmer pots to evoke holiday feelings without adding physical clutter.

Room specific ideas:

• Living Room: The Christmas tree is the star here. Surround the fireplace with matching decor and stockings. Use a statement bowl filled with pinecones, ornaments, or dried orange slices as a coffee table centerpiece.
• Entryway/Hallway: Make a grand entrance by framing the doorway with an oversized garland or placing a tall Christmas tree in a prominent corner. A festive doormat and a beautiful wreath on the front door provide instant curb appeal.
• Dining Room: Create an inviting tablescape with layered linens in seasonal hues, a festive centerpiece of greenery and candles, and personalized place settings (e.g., tie a small ornament or pinecone to a linen napkin with a ribbon).
• Kitchen: Add subtle touches like a small wreath on the backsplash, holiday-themed dish towels, or a garland of dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
• Bedroom: Extend the festive feel by swapping out regular bedding for a set in a holiday color or pattern, draping a garland over the headboard, and using mini tabletop trees on dressers or nightstands.
• Outdoor Spaces: Decorate porches with potted evergreen plants (like poinsettias) or a small, pre-lit artificial tree, ensuring all decorations are rated for outdoor use. 

BELOW, YOU'LL FIND PLENTY OF SEASONAL RECIPES TO ENJOY: 

Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

Simple Beet Arugula and Feta Salad

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli With Balsamic Drizzle

Simple Seedy Slaw

Healthy Carrot Muffins

Buffalo Cauliflower

Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel And Honeycrisp

Hearty Sweet Potato Arugula And Wild Rice Salad With Ginger Dressing

Portobello and Poblano Fajitas

Pear Canberry Crisp

Pumpkin Oat Pancakes

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

 

ABTEAM OPEN HOUSES:

As always, we are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve your real estate needs, and those of your family and friends, neighbours and co-workers.  It is a constant thrill to receive personal recommendations from our clients, and we have been so fortunate to be able to build our business on our name and reputation – and it’s all thanks to you!